hispanic heritage month

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: Amplifying the Voices of Latina Cervical Cancer Survivors 

With a growing population of 62.5 million, Hispanics – people from Spanish-speaking countries – now make up 19% of the U.S. population, lending diverse perspectives and significant economic growth. Despite these contributions, disparities in health outcomes and representation persist such as the following. 

Cervical Cancer Disparities in Hispanic Communities

  • Higher Incidence Rates: Hispanic women have higher incidence rates of cervical cancer compared to non-Hispanic white women (American Cancer Society, 2024).
  • Lower Screening Rates: Hispanic women are less likely to undergo regular cervical cancer screenings, leading to delayed diagnoses and poorer outcomes (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024).
  • Limited Access to Healthcare: Language barriers, cultural differences, and lack of access to healthcare providers contribute to disparities in cervical cancer prevention and treatment among Hispanic women (National Cancer Institute, 2024).
  • Stigma and Misinformation: Cervical cancer is often stigmatized in Hispanic communities, leading to misconceptions and reluctance to discuss the topic openly (Latinas Contra Cancer, 2022).

As Cervivor Ambassador Claudia Perez-Favela, the recent winner of Cervivor’s 2024 Rising Star Award, says, “In Mexican culture, a cancer diagnosis equals death, and people don’t talk about HPV or female cancers. It is why I wear Cervivor on my chest everywhere I go and won’t stop fighting to end cervical cancer.” 

Why Hispanic Heritage Month Matters

As we observe Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15, Cervivor is dedicated to highlighting these critical issues and is excited to announce our upcoming podcast episode, “Breaking Stigmas within the Hispanic Community,” releasing September 18. This special feature will shine a spotlight on the experiences, achievements, and challenges faced by Latina and Hispanic communities, with a focus on addressing the disparities in cervical cancer.

You’ll also get to meet two of our courageous Cervivor Ambassadors Claudia and Gilma Pereda, who share their personal stories, insights, and advocacy expertise. They’ll discuss:

  • The importance of cultural heritage and identity
  • Breaking down barriers and stereotypes
  • Empowerment through education and entrepreneurship

By amplifying their voices and others and addressing the specific needs of Hispanic cervical cancer survivors, Cervivor aims to drive awareness and foster change within the community. Join us in recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month by engaging with our content and supporting the mission to end cervical cancer.

Join the Conversation

In addition to tuning in for the podcast, connect with Claudia, Gilma, and other Spanish-speaking members of the Cervivor community on our Cervivor Español Facebook group (send a request to join if you aren’t already a member). By working together and keeping the conversation going, we can break down stigmas, promote education, and empower Hispanic communities to prioritize their health. Stay tuned for more Cervivor updates and join us in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month!

September is National Hispanic Heritage Month

As we progress through one important awareness month, we intersect with another: National Hispanic Heritage Month.

During this time, we are honored to embrace the vibrant colors, rich traditions, and contributions of the Hispanic community. Cervivor stands in solidarity with our Hispanic and Latinx members in raising awareness about cervical cancer within this population.

National Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15th to October 15th, provides us with an opportunity to not only celebrate the incredible cultural diversity and history of Latinx individuals but also to shed light on important health disparities that affect this community.

Let’s Talk About It

Cervical cancer is a highly preventable and treatable disease, yet it disproportionately affects Latinas in the United States. Here are some key statistics that highlight this issue:

  1. Higher Incidence: Latinas have a higher incidence rate of cervical cancer compared to non-Hispanic white women. This means they are more likely to develop cervical cancer.
  2. Lower Screening Rates: Latinas are less likely to undergo regular cervical cancer screenings, such as Pap tests and HPV tests, which can detect cervical cancer and the human papillomavirus at an early and treatable stage.
  3. Increased Mortality: Latinas face a higher mortality rate from cervical cancer, primarily due to late-stage diagnosis.

These statistics underscore the importance of raising awareness and promoting regular cervical cancer screenings within the Latinx community. Regular screenings are crucial for early detection and intervention, which can save lives.

Get Involved

At Cervivor, we are committed to supporting all individuals affected by cervical cancer, including those within the Latinx community. We offer a safe and inclusive space where you can find resources, share your stories, and connect with others who understand your journey.

Here are a few ways you can get involved during National Hispanic Heritage Month and beyond:

  1. Are you a cervical cancer patient, survivor, or thriver? Share your Cervivor story. Your story has the power to create change.
  2. Support and empower others to schedule their cervical cancer screenings.
  3. Knowledge is power. Check out all the amazing educational resources on our website and content across our social media platforms. Share it with your networks to help spread awareness.
  4. Stay connected with Cervivor to learn more ways to advocate and ultimately, end cervical cancer.

As we celebrate the vibrant and diverse Latinx culture during National Hispanic Heritage Month, let’s also take a moment to remember the importance of health and well-being by empowering our health below the belt. Regular cervical cancer screenings can save lives, and Cervivor is here to provide support and resources to help anyone on their journey.

Cervivor thanks you for being a part of the community, and together, we’ll make a difference in the cervical cancer disparity gap among Latinas.